<p>I'm strongly considering applying to Pittsburgh this year. However, I have some reservations after reading Fiske's rather negative rating for the school. He gives the school 2 star ratings in both quality of life and social life. I realize it is foolish to take his word as law, so can any Pitt alum/students offer information on the matter? Any help would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>If you want a rural campus with lots of trees and acres of grass, Pitt would be a 2. But, lots of people like Pitt's campus. It is urban, but is in an area (Oakland) where the only things are colleges, museums, and UPMC. THere is alot of traffic. But, with the urban campus comes alot of things to do. THere is easy access to everything in the city and surrounding areas, such as sports, music, dance, plays, shopping, movies, and dining. There is a big park adjacent to CMU, which is just a couple of blocks from Pitt if you need grass. There are alot of varied living arrangements from single dorms, to regular doubles, to suites and furnished apartments. I think Pitt kind of grows on you and there is always something going on in Oakland. You should probably try to visit for yourself and see what you think. One person's 2 star rating may be another person's 5.</p>
<p>PS - I think the social live is definitely better than a 2. There's lots to do whether you are going Greek, are a partier or are a tee-totaler. I think the people in Pittsburgh are really friendly.</p>
<p>Fiske is stupid if he thinks that there's nothing to do at the school. You're in a city, you have options coming out of your ears. There are all the parties thrown at Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne every weekend. There are parks, sports games (college level and professional). Cheap movies shown on campus right after they get out of theaters. You can go downtown see a show, go to a club, pretend you're a tourist and explore what pittsburgh has to offer. You can also go to Squirrel Hill, Southside, the Strip, etc. Each section of the city has it's own cultural flair, with tiny shops and good food. There's shopping down at the waterfront, the Century III mall, and now the newly opened Southside works. You get free transportation around the entire city including out to Kennywood, one of the oldest Amusement Parks in the country. On campus there are tons of clubs and groups you can join as well as a frat to suit anyone's liking, from the typical toga frat to community service and honorary frats. There are restaraunts all over Oakland as well as different museums that you get into for free just for being a pitt student. A lot of going to pitt is looking around to see what's going on and what your options are of what to do. They don't have tons of college hosted festivals but it's because they don't need to. There's so much to do around the city it's unnecessary. My advice check it out for yourself and form your own opinion.</p>